On The Field

News

All Blacks

Minor surgery delays Kahui's return

Chiefs and All Blacks centre Richard Kahui will miss the start of Investec Super Rugby, having a minor procedure to complete his long rehabilatation from shoulder surgery.

Kahui, who has missed the last nine months of rugby, had an operation to effectively finish cleaning up the shoulder joint.

The Chiefs centre, who spoke to Newstalk ZB, said going under the knife was a smart decision that would see him on the field faster.

"I just had an operation Friday just gone," he said.

"(It was) more of a loosen up, get rid of some scar tissue to help free it up a and it's done wonders. It's saved me a month and a half of waiting."

The Chiefs play their final pre-season match against the Hurricanes at Mangatainoka on Saturday, while they kick off their first competition match against the Highlanders at Dunedin on February 22 - both matches in which Kahui is unlikely to play.

The franchise also confirmed that Brendan Leonard has a cheekbone injury and will miss the season opener.